Many dream of traveling the open roads, living the full-time RV life. But how do you make money while traveling? This article covers how we make money on the road and some additional remote work ideas that may work for you.
Remote work
First, Crystal works for an Engineering Consulting Firm as a Senior Civil Engineer. She is considered full-time while working 30 hours per week. Her job gives us a steady income, health insurance, and retirement savings. Her becoming fully remote in 2021, is what sparked the light bulb that we could make our dream of living the full-time life a reality.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, many jobs became remote jobs, virtually overnight. This allowed companies to become comfortable with allowing employees to work remotely. Post-pandemic, some companies have recalled their employees back to the office, while others have embraced the remote work setup. If you search on job sites for remote jobs, there are a lot to choose from. Not all remote jobs will lend themselves to full-time RVing, as some companies want you to be able to come into the office at any time, others require a hardwired internet connection, and other companies just won’t allow you to travel.
When we decided to begin full-time RVing, the company I worked for did not allow for a remote work setup. I had to resign from my position and initially, I didn’t work, as our adventure was only to be a year-long journey. When we decided to extend our adventures indefinitely, we knew I had to bring in some income.
Real Estate
Our first line of income has been our rental income. We owned a rental house in the small town we lived in before we started RVing. The only thing that changed with the rental is we hired a property management company, as it’s too hard to deal with problems when you’re halfway across the country. It has been going well, and the tenants that I originally placed in the house are still there and are taking good care of the house.
After we decided to continue our travels indefinitely, we decided we wanted to buy another house to use as a short-term rental. Since we decided we would domicile in South Dakota and this may require us to return to South Dakota for jury duty, we decided to buy a house near the Black Hills. The house has room to park the RV next to the house, in the event we have to stay in the house. In addition to bringing in some income, the house is also saving us money, as we no longer have a storage unit for all of our things. We furnished the house with our furniture, and we use the garage to store our keepsakes. The South Dakota house should make really good money in the summer months and will hopefully at least break even in the winter months.
Getting into real estate is not a quick, overnight decision, and often takes years to build up to where it can provide income. However, we’ve met several full-time RVers who have just rented out the house they already own while they travel.
Mobile RV Technician
Next, I decided to start a mobile RV repair business, Engineered RV Services. I attended the R.V. Technical Institute (RVTI) to get the certification. The training was pretty good and I met some great people. While I attended the 4 weeks of training in Elhart Indiana, we stayed at two RV parks within the Thousand Trails system, Twin Mills and Bear Cave.
Being a mobile RV technician requires multiple hands-on skills, an understanding of many basic principles, problem-solving skills, customer service skills, tenacity, and business skills. While repairing an RV, you will need to have a good knowledge of both A/C and D/C electricity, plumbing, mechanical systems, and carpentry. While making repairs, the problem may not be readily obvious and may require fixing multiple problems, carefully reading technical manuals, and calling the manufacturer.
Multi-Level Marketing
Finally, I became a distributor for Xyngular, selling weight loss supplements. Xyngular is an MLM, so the earning potential is virtually unlimited! The other pluses for Xyngular is that it doesn’t require me to keep any inventory on hand and I have the chance to help lots of people I meet in RV parks lose weight, earn money, or both!
In case you aren’t familiar, MLM, or Multi-Level Marketing, is a business model that involves individuals, often referred to as distributors or representatives, promoting and selling products or services to consumers while also recruiting others into the company’s sales network. Distributors earn commissions not only on their own sales but also on the sales made by the recruits they bring into the network, creating multiple levels or tiers. The recruits, in turn, can further recruit others, leading to a hierarchical structure.
Social Media
Additionally, I do YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and obviously this blog. Though I don’t earn any money with these platforms we’ve met several families on the road that they do social media full-time for their income!
Earning money on social media has become a viable and popular avenue for individuals and businesses alike. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, offer various ways to monetize content and engage with a wide audience. Influencers and content creators can partner with brands for sponsored posts or product endorsements, generating income through paid promotions. Additionally, ad revenue-sharing programs on platforms like YouTube enable content creators to earn a share of the advertising income generated by their videos.
Some social media platforms also allow users to sell their products or services directly to their followers through e-commerce integrations. Crowdfunding and tip jars on platforms like Patreon and Ko-fi provide opportunities for fans to support their favorite content creators financially. In summary, monetizing social media requires dedication, creativity, and engagement with one’s audience, but it offers a potentially lucrative source of income and a means of turning one’s online presence into a profitable endeavor.
Some other ideas that I’ve considered, researched, and/or heard about are:
Self-publishing:
Self-publishing a book has become an increasingly popular and accessible avenue for authors to share their literary creations with the world. This DIY approach to publishing allows writers to maintain creative control over their work, from the content and cover design to the distribution and marketing strategies. With the advent of digital platforms and print-on-demand services, self-publishing has never been easier. Authors can reach a global audience through online marketplaces like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and platforms like IngramSpark. While it requires dedication, effort, and a commitment to learning the ins and outs of the publishing industry, self-publishing offers a unique opportunity for authors to bring their stories and ideas to life independently, without the need for traditional publishing houses. It’s a journey that empowers writers to connect directly with their readers and make their mark in the literary world.
Work Camping
Work camping, often referred to as “workamping,” is a unique and adventurous lifestyle that combines work with travel and outdoor living. Workampers typically travel in recreational vehicles (RVs) and seek out temporary employment opportunities in various locations, such as campgrounds, national parks, and seasonal tourist destinations. These positions can range from campsite maintenance and park hosting to retail, hospitality, or even administrative roles. Work campers enjoy the flexibility to choose their assignments and the freedom to explore different parts of the country, often receiving compensation in the form of wages, free campsite accommodations, or a combination of both. This lifestyle allows individuals and couples to embrace a sense of adventure while reducing living expenses and connecting with nature. Work camping has gained popularity among retirees and those seeking a break from the traditional 9-to-5 grind, offering a chance to experience the great outdoors and meet like-minded individuals along the way.
Travel Nurse
Travel nurses are registered nurses or other healthcare professionals who accept temporary assignments at healthcare facilities across the country or even internationally. These assignments typically last between 13 to 26 weeks and can take them to a variety of settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics.
Travel nurses play a crucial role in filling staffing shortages and providing high-quality patient care wherever their skills are needed. In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, they often receive allowances for housing and travel expenses, making it an attractive career option for those who enjoy exploring new places while making a meaningful impact on the healthcare system. The profession requires flexibility, adaptability, and a strong clinical skillset, as travel nurses must quickly integrate into new teams and adapt to different hospital protocols and patient populations. It’s a rewarding profession that offers the opportunity to gain diverse clinical experiences, build a strong professional network, and enjoy a nomadic lifestyle, all while providing essential healthcare services.
Along similar lines to Travel Nursing, I also heard about a Travel Firefighter (it was a TikTok video) so I don’t know how common it is, but the video made it sound like it was very lucrative.
Amazon CamperForce
Amazon offers a unique employment opportunity called “Amazon CamperForce” for people interested in seasonal work while living in an RV. CamperForce typically hires RVers to work in Amazon’s fulfillment centers during the holiday shopping season, which usually runs from September through December. These positions are available at various locations across the United States.
Amazon CamperForce jobs can involve tasks such as picking, packing, and shipping orders in the warehouses. Workers are often expected to meet performance and productivity targets. In return, CamperForce employees receive competitive hourly wages, overtime pay, and may have access to other benefits like campsite accommodations, a completion bonus, and referral bonuses. The campsite accommodations are often arranged through partnerships with campgrounds, providing a convenient place for employees to stay during their seasonal employment.
This program is popular among retirees and those looking for a temporary job that offers flexibility, a chance to earn money while on the road, and a sense of community with other RVers. Please note that the specific details and offerings of Amazon CamperForce may change from year to year, so I recommend checking Amazon’s official website or contacting Amazon’s HR department for the most up-to-date information on available opportunities.
Remote Call Center
Remote call center work, a growing trend in today’s professional landscape, offers individuals the opportunity to provide customer service and support from the convenience of their own homes (or RV). This employment model harnesses technology to connect agents with customers, allowing them to handle inquiries, resolve issues, and offer assistance through phone calls, chat, email, or video communication. It’s a versatile field encompassing a wide range of industries, and remote call center agents are often the frontline representatives of companies, ensuring that customers receive prompt and helpful assistance.
This setup not only provides a flexible work environment but also eliminates the need for daily commutes, saving time and resources. It’s a role that values effective communication skills, empathy, and adaptability, as remote agents must navigate a variety of customer interactions professionally. Remote call center work is a testament to the evolving nature of employment, where technology allows for the seamless integration of professional roles into the comfort of one’s own living space, making it an attractive option for those seeking work-from-home opportunities.
I often wonder if the folks answering calls for Thousand Trails work for a Remote Call Center, but I’ve never asked when talking with them!
Remote Contract Work
Remote contract work, a prevalent and increasingly popular form of employment, allows individuals to offer their skills, services, or expertise to clients and companies from anywhere in the world. This work arrangement is characterized by a contractual agreement where the worker and client agree upon specific terms, project scope, deadlines, and compensation. Remote contract work spans across a wide spectrum of fields, including freelance writing, graphic design, software development, consulting, and more. The flexibility it offers is one of its most appealing aspects, enabling professionals to tailor their schedules and workspaces to suit their preferences.
This model fosters autonomy, as contractors often have the freedom to choose projects, clients, and even the number of hours they work, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a work-life balance, digital nomads, and those looking to explore various aspects of their expertise. Remote contract work also leverages technology for communication and project management, allowing for seamless collaboration between clients and contractors, regardless of geographical location. It’s a testament to the evolving landscape of the modern workforce, where individuals can pursue fulfilling careers on their own terms, breaking free from traditional office constraints.
Other Ideas:
- Freelance Writing: Content creation, copywriting, and blogging.
- Graphic Design: Creating visual content, logos, and branding materials.
- Software Development: Coding, app development, and web development.
- Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs.
- Social Media Management: Managing and curating social media content for businesses.
- Online Tutoring: Teaching various subjects or skills to students of all ages.
- Digital Marketing: Running online marketing campaigns, SEO, and email marketing.
- Data Entry: Managing and organizing data for companies.
- E-commerce: Running an online store or dropshipping business.
- Remote Sales: Sales representatives or account management for remote products or services.
- Online Survey Taking: Participating in paid market research surveys.
- Transcription: Converting audio or video into text.
- Consulting: Offering expertise in a specific field, such as business, finance, or career coaching.
- Healthcare Telemedicine: Providing remote healthcare services like teletherapy or telehealth consultations.
Some of these ideas could be done working with an existing company or starting your own company. Starting your own company may be more lucrative in the long run, but the start up timeline and expenses may make it more difficult and less appealing.